💖 Ishita's Perspective

Avni's mother, who had just stepped out of the kitchen carrying a tray of water glasses, stopped dead in her tracks. Her eyes darted from Jay to her daughter, and then finally to me.

"You mean... Avni and Jay?" Aunty asked, her voice trembling slightly as she set the tray down on the center table.

"Yes, Aunty," I replied warm-heartedly, offering her a soothing, sweet smile. My dusty-rose saree pallu draped gracefully over my shoulder as I gestured toward the two of them. "Jay and Avni. As you both already know, they have been dating for a year now.

But we thought... why keep them in this phase any longer? Why don't we officially bring Avni into the Rathor family as our daughter-in-law?"

Avni’s parents exchanged a bewildered, emotional look. Uncle shifted slightly on his seat, looking at Rudra and then at Jay, who sat with his hands neatly folded on his lap, his head respectfully bowed.

"Aunty, Uncle," I continued gently, leaning forward so my red bridal chooda jingled softly against my wrists. "They are at a great age to settle down. Jay is twenty-six, settled, and extremely passionate about his career. And Avni is already so independent and brilliant as an interior designer. Most importantly, Jay truly, deeply loves her. And we know how much Avni loves him too. When two people are so genuinely committed to each other, why waste any more time in just dating?"

Uncle took a slow, deep breath, his hands resting on his knees. "Ishita beti... we knew they were seeing each other, but... a proposal coming directly from the Rathor family? We never expected the top business family of Rajasthan to walk into our simple house for our daughter's hand. It feels... overwhelming."

"Uncle, please don't think like that," Rudra spoke up, his deep, resonant baritone filling the living room with a calm, heavy authority.

He sat beside me like an unbreakable pillar, looking straight into Uncle's eyes. "Status and names mean nothing when it comes to family.

Jay came to us and made it clear that Avni is the only woman he wants to share his life with. As his elder brother, it is my duty to ensure his commitment turns into a lifelong, respectable bond."

Jay looked up then, his bloodshot eyes full of earnest emotion as he looked directly at Avni's father. "Uncle... I know I am young, but my love for Avni is completely sincere. I promise to cherish her, respect her, and keep her happy for the rest of my life. I don't just want to be her boyfriend anymore... I want to be her husband."

Avni stood near the dining area, clutching the edge of her dupatta, tears quietly welling up in her soft eyes as she listened to Jay stand up for her with such pride and dignity. Her mother walked over to her, wrapping a gentle arm around her daughter's trembling shoulders, wiping a stray tear from her cheek.

"Look at them, Uncle," I added softly, turning to Avni's father with utmost warmth. "They belong together. And I promise you, Avni won't be coming to our house as a daughter-in-law... she will be loved like a daughter by my mother-in-law, Choti Maa, and all of us. We want to finalize their marriage as soon as possible with all your blessings."

Uncle looked at Jay’s sincere face, then at Rudra’s solid, protective stance, and finally at my warm, encouraging smile. The anxiety on his face slowly dissolved, replaced by a profound wave of relief and emotional pride.

"If Rudra sir and you are standing here taking full responsibility..." Uncle said, his voice cracking slightly with emotion as a broad smile broke across his face, "...then how could a father ever say no? We accept this proposal with all our hearts!"

A soft, breathless gasp escaped Avni's lips, and a radiant, tearful smile broke across her face.

She looked over at Jay, whose eyes were shining with pure, unfiltered joy and iprofound relief.

"Great! Then you should both start preparing!" I exclaimed happily, my red bridal chooda jingling musically as I clapped my hands together.

"We want the wedding to take place within a month," Rudra added smoothly, his deep, baritone voice cutting through the joyful chatter with calm authority.

Avni’s parents froze, exchanging an anxious, startled look. Uncle cleared his throat nervously, looking at my husband with wide eyes. "B-But sir... within a month? It's so early! A wedding requires months of planning, venue bookings, arrangements, clothes, catering... how will we manage all of that in just thirty days?"

"You don't have to manage any of it, Uncle," Rudra replied, his ocean-blue eyes steady, calm, and reassuring. He leaned slightly forward, resting his hands on his knees. "You just have to be there with Avni. Nothing else. The Rathor family will handle every single arrangement—from the venue to the catering, decorations, and invitations. You don't need to worry about a single detail."

Aunty looked overwhelmed, her hands trembling as she held Avni's arm. "Sir, but... as the bride's parents, we have responsibilities too. We want to give our daughter a fitting farewell, but financially and logistically, in one month—"

"Aunty, please," I interrupted softly, rising from the sofa and walking over to sit beside her. I took both of her weathered hands into mine, pressing them warmly. "Trust us, Aunty.

We don't need or want anything from your side except Avni. She is your precious daughter, and she is about to become our family. That is the greatest gift you could ever give us."

"Ishita is right," Rudra said, his voice dropping into a respectful, grounded tone. "Your only task for the next four weeks is to spend time with your daughter, shower her with love, and prepare her emotionally for this new chapter. Leave every practical burden on my shoulders. Laksh, my manager, will coordinate directly with you for any personal preferences Avni has, but you won't spend a single rupee or stress over a single arrangement."

Uncle’s eyes welled up with deep, emotional tears. He shook his head, completely touched by the sheer nobility and respect the Rathor family was bestowing upon them. "Sir... I don't even have the words to thank you. You are giving our daughter so much respect."

"She deserves it, Uncle," Jay spoke up softly, his voice full of sincere devotion as he glanced at Avni. "She is going to be my wife."

"Then it's settled!" I announced with a warm, beaming smile, turning around to look at Avni, who was trying to wipe away her tears of happiness. "We will consult the pandit ji today for the most auspicious date within the next thirty days, and then the wedding festivities begin!"

Aunty pulled me into a tight, emotional hug, while Uncle stepped forward to warmly embrace Jay, blessing him from the bottom of his heart. Standing beside me, Rudra quietly adjusted his suit jacket, his ocean-blue eyes meeting mine with a subtle, tender glint. The dark storm from last night had officially cleared, leaving behind the promise of a grand celebration for our family.

👑 Rudra's Perspective

I stood near the entrance of the living room, watching the emotional scene unfold. Uncle was still holding Jay in a tight embrace, and Aunty was holding Ishita's hands, crying tears of relie

f.Everything was going smoothly—almost too smoothly. But as a man, I knew that building a marriage on a hidden secret was a recipe for future disaster. Uncle and Aunty were agreeing to a rush one-month wedding thinking it was just a sudden decision of young love. They deserved to know the full truth before they gave their ultimate blessing.

I looked over at Jay. Catching my gaze, he saw me give him a silent, firm nod—a subtle gesture that meant: Now. It's the right time to tell them everything.

Jay’s breath hitched. He swallowed hard, his face turning pale again, but he didn't shrink away. He understood the silent command in my ocean-blue eyes.

"Uncle... Aunty..." Jay spoke up, his voice trembling slightly as he pulled back from the embrace. He looked at both of Avni's parents with absolute humility and deep respect. "Before we finalize anything... there is something crucial I need to confess to you both."

The room quieted down in an instant. Uncle blinked, looking at Jay with a curious, gentle expression. "Kya baat hai, beta?"

Jay took a deep breath, stepping closer to Avni and gently taking her shaking hand into his. He looked Uncle straight in the eyes, refusing to hide behind any excuses.

"The reason my Bhai and Bhabhi are asking for a one-month wedding... is not just because we are eager to marry," Jay confessed, his voice thick with raw emotion and unwavering truth. "It's because... Avni is two months pregnant with our child."

Aunty gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she stumbled back a step. Uncle froze completely, his eyes widening in sheer, unadulterated shock as his gaze darted from Jay's face down to Avni's trembling form.

Avni lowered her head, fresh tears spilling over her lashes as she squeezed Jay's hand tightly.

"I take full responsibility for my carelessness, Uncle," Jay continued bravely, stepping forward and bowing his head completely. "I made a mistake by not coming to you a year ago, and I put your daughter in a scary position. But I promise you on my life and my family's honor—I love Avni, and I love our baby. I will never let a single tear of sorrow fall from her eyes. Please... forgive me, but give us your blessings."

Uncle stood paralyzed for a long, heavy moment, processing the revelation.

I stepped up right beside Jay, placing my heavy, firm hand over his shoulder, locking my ocean-blue eyes onto Uncle with calm, protective authority.

"Uncle," I spoke, my deep baritone steady and grounded in the heavy silence. "Jay made a mistake, and I reprimanded him severely for his irresponsibility last night. But he is standing in front of you today as an honest man, owning up to his actions instead of running away. You have every right to be angry with him, but as his elder brother, I give you my personal word—Avni and the child will be given the highest respect, love, and protection in the Rathor family. I stand behind them completely."

Ishita stepped up on the other side of Aunty, softly putting a hand on her back to support her. "Aunty... please look at how much they care for each other. We didn't want to hide anything from you. We want to start this journey with complete honesty."

Uncle looked at Jay’s bowed head, then at my unyielding, supportive stance, and finally at his daughter, who was looking at Jay with complete trust amidst her tears. The initial shock on Uncle's face slowly transformed into a profound, emotional acceptance. He realized that despite the mistake, his daughter was surrounded by a family that truly cared for her dignity and truth.

Uncle took a long, heavy breath, his chest heaving as he slowly digested the weight of Jay’s confession. He looked at Jay, whose head was still humbly bowed in deep remorse, and then at Avni, whose face was flushed as she waited for her father's verdict.

Slowly, Uncle raised his hand and placed it firmly on Jay's shoulder.

"Look at me, Jay," Uncle said, his voice thick with emotion.

Jay lifted his head, his eyes shining with unshed tears, ready to take whatever anger or punishment Uncle had for him. But instead of rage, Uncle's face softened into an expression of immense relief and fatherly understanding.

"In today's world, a man who owns up to his mistakes and stands tall to protect a woman's dignity... is a rare sight," Uncle said softly, his voice cracking slightly. "You made a mistake, yes. But the fact that you walked into my home with your family, told me the absolute truth, and asked for my daughter's hand with complete honesty... tells me everything I need to know about your character."

Aunty wiped a tear from her cheek, stepping closer to pull Avni into a comforting hug before reaching out to pat Jay's arm. "We were shocked at first, beta... but seeing how much you love her, and how Rudra sir and Ishita beti are standing behind you like pillars... we have no doubt that our daughter is in the right hands."

"Thank you, Uncle... thank you, Aunty," Jay choked out, his voice filled with overwhelming gratitude as he bowed down to touch their feet. Uncle immediately pulled him up and embraced him warmly.

I let out a quiet breath, feeling the last bit of tension leave my shoulders. I looked over at Ishita, who was watching the scene with tears of joy sparkling in her brown eyes. Her red bridal chooda jingled softly as she wiped her eyes, giving me a glowing, proud smile that melted every remaining edge of my heart.

"Now then," I spoke up, stepping forward with an authoritative yet warm smile. "Since we have your full blessing, Laksh will be in touch with you by this evening to finalize the wedding dates with Pandit ji. We will make sure every single detail of this wedding is grand, beautiful, and completely stress-free for your family."

"Sir, we don't know how to repay your kindness," Uncle said, shaking my hand tightly once again.

"You don't need to, Uncle. We are family now," I replied firmly.

After spending another half hour discussing initial arrangements over fresh tea and sweet savories, the three of us bid farewell to Avni and her parents.

As we walked back out to the heavy SUV, Jay looked like a completely transformed man—the heavy dark cloud that had been hanging over his head for months was finally gone, replaced by a deep sense of confidence and purpose.

"Bhai... Bhabhi..." Jay said earnestly, turning around just before getting into the car. "I will never forget what you both did for me today. Never."

"Just focus on making Avni happy, Jay," Ishita smiled warmly, giving his hand a affectionate squeeze before sliding into the front passenger seat.

I got into the driver's seat, started the engine, and pulled away from the house. As I navigated through the roads back toward Rathor Raj Mahal, I reached across the center console and took Ishita's small hand in mine, resting my thumb over her silver rings.

She turned her head, her brown eyes locking onto my blue ones with endless love. "You were amazing today, Ru," she whispered softly.

"I was just following my wife's orders, Janna," I rumbled back in a low baritone, a rare, soft smirk playing on my lips. "And when my Janna gives an order... the King of Rajasthan has no choice but to obey."

The drive back to the Rathor Mansion was heavy with anticipation. Jay was practically vibrating with nervous energy in the back seat, staring out the window, while Ishita kept her fingers laced through mine, her red chooda resting against my thigh.

We all knew what was waiting for us behind those massive carved wooden gates. Telling two protective mothers, a proud father, a traditional Choti Maa, and three nosey siblings that the youngest son had gotten his girlfriend pregnant and needed to get married within thirty days was going to unleash an absolute hurricane of drama.

"Bhai..." Jay swallowed hard, his voice trembling as I parked the heavy SUV on the grand porch. "Are we... are we really doing this right now?"

"We don't hide, Jay," I said in a grounded, unyielding baritone, unbuckling my seatbelt and turning to look at him through the rearview mirror. "We face it head-on. Walk in behind me and your Bhabhi. Keep your mouth shut unless Papa or Maa asks you a direct question. Let me handle the storm."

Ishita turned to him with a gentle, reassuring smile, her rose-gold earrings shimmering in the sunlight. "Don't worry, Jay Bhaiya. We are in this together."

We walked into the main living hall, where the entire family happened to be gathered. Ram Papa was seated on the plush armchair reading business documents, Siya Maa and Choti Maa (Urmila) were selecting fabric swatches with Reet, Akshat and Dhristi were chatting on the couch with little Krish playing nearby, and Ahana and Vardaan were squabbling playfully over a tablet.

The moment we entered, the room quieted down.

"Arey! Aagaye teeno?" Siya Maa smiled, setting down her embroidery. "Kahan gaye the subah-subah bina nashta kiye? Aur itne serious kyu lag rahe ho?"

"Maa, Papa, Lakhan Chacha... please sit down," I commanded smoothly, my deep voice cutting through the relaxed atmosphere like a blade. "We need to talk about something extremely important."

Akshat raised an eyebrow, setting his coffee cup down on the glass table. "Bhai ? What happened? Is everything okay at the company?"

"This isn't about Eternity or The Rathor Company, Akshat," I said, stepping into the center of the hall. Ishita stood firmly by my right side, her dusty-rose saree pallu resting over her arm, while Jay stood a step behind my left shoulder, his hands folded, head bowed humbly. "This is about Jay."

"Jay?" Choti Maa frowned, looking between Jay's pale face and my unyielding expression. "Kya hua Jay ko? Kisi se ladai ho gayi kya?"

I took a deep breath, fixing my ocean-blue eyes on Papa. "Jay wants to get married. Within this month."

A loud, collective gasp echoed across the grand hall.

"WHAT?!" Ahana squealed, jumping off the couch. "Jay? Married?! In a month?! To whom? Avni?!"

"Rudra, yeh kya mazaak hai?" Siya Maa stood up, her face a mix of shock and confusion. "Ek mahine mein shaadi? Aur hume abhi pata chal raha hai? Jay, tumne pehle kyu nahi bataya? Shaadi koi khel hai kya jo ek mahine mein ho jaye?!"aur avni kon hai ?

"Haan, Rudra, yeh kaise ho sakta hai?" Choti Maa joined in, her hands on her hips as her traditional values kicked in. "Rathor khandaan ki shaadi hai! Taiyariyon mein mahino lagte hain! Card chhapenge, mehman aayenge,

venue book hoga! Ek mahine mein bina kisi wajah ke itni jaldi shaadi kyu?!"

"Wajah hai, Choti Maa," I said quietly, my voice heavy with absolute gravity.

The entire living room fell into a dead, suffocating silence. Even little Krish stopped playing, sensing the sudden shift in the air.

Papa slowly lowered his papers, his sharp, veteran eyes locking onto mine, then drifting over to Jay’s trembling frame. "Rudra... clear baath karo. Kya hua hai?"

I looked Papa straight in the eyes, my voice unwavering as I delivered the truth to the entire family.

"Avni is two months pregnant with Jay's child."

BANG!

Reet accidentally knocked over a crystal vase onto the side table, while Dhristi covered her mouth in absolute shock. Ahana’s jaw dropped so wide she couldn't formulate a single word.

Siya Maa staggered back a step, clutching her chest. "KYA?!"

"HEY BHAGWAN!" Choti Maa yelled out, slapping her forehead in utter horror. "Yeh kya sunna pad raha hai! Jay... tumne yeh kya kar diya?! Hamaare khandaan ki izzat ka kya hoga?!"

"JAY!" Ram Papa’s voice boomed like thunder as he stood up from his chair, his face flush with rage as he stared at his youngest son. "IS THIS WHAT WE TAUGHT YOU?! IS THIS YOUR SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY?!"

Jay flinched violently, dropping to his knees right there in the middle of the hall, tears streaming down his face. "Papa... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry—"

"SORRY?!" Papa stepped forward angrily, his fists clenched. "YOU SHAMED THIS FAMILY! YOU PUT AN INNOCENT GIRL IN THIS POSITION AND KEPT IT A SECRET?!"

Before Papa could step any closer to Jay, I immediately moved, standing directly in front of my younger brother like an impenetrable shield.

"Papa, bas," I said softly but with immense, unbreakable authority, locking eyes with my father. "Do not shout at him."

"Rudra, hat beech mein se!" Papa shouted, pointing a furious finger at Jay. "He messed up! He degraded our upbringing! How can you defend him?!"

"I am not defending his mistake, Papa," I replied calmly, my deep baritone filling the heavy room. "Last night, I scolded him severely. I made him realize the magnitude of his irresponsibility. But this morning, your son walked into Avni's house like a true man. He stood in front of her father, admitted his fault without a single lie, and begged for forgiveness. Her parents have already accepted the proposal and given their blessing."

Siya Maa stared at me in disbelief, tears welling in her eyes. "Rudra... tum aur Ishita unke ghar gaye the?"

"Haan, Maa," Ishita spoke up gracefully, stepping forward as her red chooda clinked against her saree. Her voice was warm, steady, and filled with deep conviction. "Rudra and I went to Avni's house. We apologized on Jay's behalf and assured her father that Avni will be given the utmost dignity, love, and respect in this house. Jay made a mistake, yes... but he isn't running away from it. He wants to marry her and raise their child with honor. Isn't that what a Rathor is supposed to do?"

The emotional weight of Ishita's words hit the room hard.

Akshat stepped forward, placing a hand on Papa's shoulder. "Bade Papa .bhai and Bhabhi are right. What's done is done. Yelling at Jay won't change the reality. If Avni's parents have accepted him, we need to stand by our family and protect her dignity before society starts pointing fingers."

"Bhai is right, Papa," Vardaan agreed, stepping up beside Akshat. "Reet is pregnant right now too. I know what a woman goes through. Avni needs love and support right now, not scandal and fear."

Choti Maa wiped her tears, her strict expression slowly softening as she looked at Jay sobbing silently on the floor. "Par... ek mahine mein shaadi? Log kya kahenge? Pata chal gaya toh-"

"Log kuch nahi kahenge, Choti Maa," I cut in, my ocean-blue eyes turning icy and cold.

"Because no one in Rajasthan has the audacity to speak against the Rathor family. The wedding will be announced as a sudden, grand celebration of love. My team will handle the media, the preparations, and the arrangements. Not a single rumor will touch Avni's name."

Papa looked at me-his eldest son, the Prince, the man who held the family together-and then looked at Ishita, who stood by my side with unwavering strength. The fiery rage in Papa's eyes slowly extinguished, replaced by a deep, weary sigh of acceptance.

"Get up, Jay," Papa said, his voice quiet but stern.

Jay slowly stood up, wiping his eyes, staring at the floor in shame.

Papa walked up to him, looking at him with heavy eyes. "You are lucky you have a big brother like Rudra and a Bhabhi like Ishita who stood up to shield you today. If it weren't for them... I would have never forgiven you."

Jay swallowed hard, nodding frantically. "I know, Papa... I am so sorry. I will never let any of you down again."

Siya Maa let out a long breath, walking over to Jay and pulling his head down to kiss his forehead, crying softly. "Bewakoof ladka... kitna dara diya hume. Ab jaao, Avni ko phone karo aur kaho ki uski saas usse milna chahti hai."

The heavy tension in the hall broke completely, replaced by a wave of emotional relief. Ahana cheered softly, running over to hug Jay, while Dhristi and Reet smiled warmly at Ishita.

I stood back, unbuttoning my navy suit jacket, feeling a quiet satisfaction. Ishita walked up beside me, slipping her arm through mine, leaning her head lightly against my shoulder.

"See?" she whispered softly, her sweet breath fanning against my cheek. "We handled the storm."

"No, Janna," I rumbled back in a raspy, low whisper, wrapping my arm securely around her waist. "You handled the storm. I just stood there looking handsome in a suit."

Ishita giggled softly, nudging my side as the Rathor Raj Mahal officially began its preparations for a grand, whirlwind wedding.

🌹 Author's POV

From the very next hour, the royal corridors of Rathor mansion transformed into a flurry of grandeur and joyous chaotic energy. The news of Jay and Avni's upcoming wedding spread through the estate like wildfire, and within forty-eight hours, the one-month countdown had officially begun.

While the elders finalized the auspicious dates with Pandit ji and Rudra's executive team smoothly handled the grand venue bookings and tight security, the family was bustling with excitement to welcome their newest daughter-in-law.

Interestingly enough, Ahana was the only one who didn't need an introduction to Avni. Being the sharp, perceptive sister, she had secretly caught wind of Jay's romantic affair months ago and had already approved of her future Devrani. But for Siya Maa, Choti Maa Urmila, Ram Papa, Lakhan Chacha, Akshat, Vardaan, and the rest of the Rathor clan, meeting Avni and her family for the formal Roka ceremony was a fresh, heartwarming experience.

The moment Avni walked into the Raj Mahal alongside her parents, looking graceful yet timid, Siya Maa and Choti Maa instantly fell in love with her gentle demeanor. Her quiet elegance, paired with her deep respect for the family, erased every lingering trace of hesitation in the elders' hearts. She was showered with heirlooms, blessings, and endless affection, instantly making her feel like a cherished daughter rather than just a bride-to-be.

As the wedding functions drew near, the women of the Rathor house effortlessly split the heavy responsibilities amongst themselves, taking charge of the grand event with flawless coordination.

Reet, with her brilliant eye as a master fashion designer, took complete control of the royal wardrobe. Despite being four months pregnant, her passion and energy were unstoppable. She personally curated bespoke outfits for every single member of the family-from heavy regal sherwanis for the Rathor men to ethereal, heavily embroidered lehengas for the ladies. She spent hours coordinating colors, selecting luxurious fabrics, and ensuring that every fitting was perfection. Vardaan hovered around her constantly like a protective shadow, making sure she didn't overexert herself, but Reet's creative genius shone bright through every single ensemble.

Ishita took charge of the beauty and glam quotient for all the functions. As an exceptionally talented professional makeup artist, she took it upon herself to design customized, radiant makeup looks for everyone. She made sure Siya Maa and Choti Maa looked like regal royal matriarchs, gave Ahana, Reet, and Dhristi chic, glowing looks, and spent extra time with Avni, crafting soft, ethereal bridal looks that complemented her natural beauty without stressing her out. Between managing brushes, palettes, and jewelry placements, Ishita made sure every woman felt like a queen.

Meanwhile, Dhristi took on the crucial role of managing the entire household operations. Being an organized college professor, her management skills were unmatched. She worked side-by-side with both Siya Maa and Choti Maa, flawlessly managing the endless streams of caterers, decorators, traditional sweet-makers, guest accommodations, and daily household rituals. She ensured that the elders didn't feel overwhelmed by the mammoth scale of the preparations, keeping the estate running like clockwork while keeping a sweet eye on little Krish.

As the days flew by in a blur of laughter, late-night dance rehearsals, shimmering silks, and fragrant marigolds, the Rathor Raj Mahal stood completely illuminated. The stage was set, the family was united, and the countdown to Jay and Avni's royal union was finally coming to its grand climax.

The day finally arrived when the official wedding cards were printed-gorgeous, velvet-bound boxes embellished with golden royal crests, filled with artisanal sweets and engraved silver coins. Rudra, Akshat, Vardaan, and Jay spent the afternoon personally delivering the first set of invitations to prominent dignitaries, close family friends, and key business associates, while the women at home coordinated the remaining guest lists.

However, the peaceful, joyous atmosphere of Rathor Raj Mahal was about to face its biggest test yet.

Ram Singh Rathore and Lakhan Singh Rathore had two sisters who were arriving at the palace for the wedding. The younger sister, Sunita Bua, was a sweet, warm-hearted woman who adored all her nephews and nieces. Both bua younger than ram but kaveri elder than lakhan But the elder sister-kaveri Bua-was the undisputed vamp of the Rathor clan. Traditional, bitter, and hyper-critical, kaveri Bua carried a regal arrogance that matched the oldest aristocratic lines, but without a drop of warmth.

Kaveri Bua had hated Ishita from the very beginning. She could never swallow the fact that Rudra-the cold, invincible Prince of Rajasthan-had chosen a middle-class makeup artist with brown skin and simple roots over elite royal heiresses. Over the years, their relationship had remained extremely strained. Yet, despite kaveri Bua's endless passive-aggressive jabs, Ishita always maintained her grace, offering her full respect as a elder of the family just to keep peace in the house.

The heavy wooden doors of the palace swung open, announcing the arrival of both Buas.! Jay! Dekho kaun aaya hai!" Siya Maa called out happily, walking into the grand courtyard alongside Choti Maa Urmila to welcome them.

Sunita Bua walked in with a beaming smile, immediately pulling Ahana and Dhristi into warm hugs, showering blessings for the upcoming wedding. But right behind her stepped kaveri Bua, clad in a stiff, heavily embroidered silk saree, her sharp eyes scanning the palace like an inspector looking for flaws.

The moment kaveri Bua crossed the threshold, a sudden, rigid tension settled over the family.

"Kalyan ho," kaveri Bua murmured dryly as Siya Maa and Choti Maa touched her feet. Her sharp eyes immediately scanned the room and landed on the young women of the house.

She raised a dark eyebrow, her voice dripping with venomous authority. "Yeh kya tarika hai?

Rathor khandaan ki bahuyein bina ghunghat ke ghoom rahi hain? Ek toh chote beta ne shadi se pehle hi kaand kar diya, aur upar se ghar ki maryada ka yeh haal hai?"

Reet and Dhristi exchanged quick, uncomfortable glances. Before any argument could break out or ruin the wedding mood, Ishita stepped forward quietly. Knowing how explosive Rudra's temper could get if he overheard his aunt insulting anyone-especially her-Ishita decided to take the high road to protect the family's unity during this auspicious time.

Ishita gracefully reached up, pulling the delicate pallu of her dusty-rose saree forward to draw a light ghunghat over her face, covering her long hair and brow out of respect for the elder tradition. Seeing the eldest daughter-in-law adjust without a single word of protest, Dhristi and Reet followed her lead, quietly drawing their dupattas over their heads as well.

Ishita walked up to kaveri Bua, gracefully bending down to touch her feet. "Pranam, Bua ji. Aapka swagat hai."

Kaveri Bua barely acknowledged the gesture, taking a deliberate step back with a cold scoff. She looked down at Ishita's veiled figure with intense judgment. "Aane ko toh aa gaye, par dekhna yeh hai ki is ghar ki izzat kitni bachi hai. Middle-class ladkiyon ko bahu banoge toh maryada ki dhajjiyan hi udengi."

From the upper balcony overlooking the courtyard, the heavy tread of polished leather shoes echoed against the marble floor. Rudra was standing right at the banister, his navy suit sharp, his ocean-blue eyes completely darkened into an icy, deadly storm as he watched his aunt insult his wife. His jaw locked, his knuckles turning white against the wooden railing.

👑 Rudra's Perspective

"Middle-class ladkiyon ko bahu banoge toh maryada ki dhajjiyan hi udengi."

The moment those bitter, toxic words left kaveri Bua's mouth, the blood in my veins turned to pure ice.

My knuckles turned white where I gripped the wooden railing of the upper balcony. My ocean-blue eyes darkened into a deadly, murderous storm, locking onto my elder aunt. Every ounce of my self-control shattered in a single second. How dare she? How dare she step into my home and insult my wife under my own roof?

"Bhai , nahi!" Akshat, who was standing beside me on the balcony, quickly grabbed my arm, sensing the dangerous aura radiating off me. "Bua hain woh, elders hain-"

"I don't give a damn who she is," I growled in a voice so low and lethal it vibrated through the air. I yanked my arm out of his grip and took long, heavy, thunderous strides down the grand marble staircase.

The rhythmic, heavy thump of my polished shoes echoed across the silent courtyard, cutting right through the uncomfortable tension below.

The moment Siya Maa and Choti Maa saw me coming down, their faces turned pale. They knew that look in my eyes. They knew the cold-hearted, king of Rajasthan had just awakened.

Ishita, still standing in her graceful ghunghat, turned her head toward the sound of my steps. Even through the sheer fabric of her saree pallu, she sensed the sheer magnitude of my fury. She quickly lifted her veiled hands toward me in a silent plea, her eyes silently begging me, 'Ru, please... don't make a scene.'

I ignored every warning sign. I walked straight past my mother and aunts, stopping directly in front of kaveri Bua. My frame completely overshadowed her, casting a dark, intimidating shadow over her bitter face.

"Rudra, beta-" Sunita Bua tried to speak softly, but I held up a single hand, silencing the entire courtyard in an instant.

"Aapki zimmat aur aapka rudba aapke apne ghar tak mahfooz rakhiye, Bua ji," my deep baritone boomed, echoing off the high arched ceilings of the palace like thunder. My voice was smooth, cold, and laced with absolute venom. Raj Mahal ho ya "Yeh Rathor mansion. Vo Mahrani hai or... is ghar ki Badi Bahu... Ishita Rudra Singh Rathore hai."

Kaveri Bua gasped, stumbling back a fraction at the sheer audacity and disrespect in my tone. "Rudra! Yeh kya tarika hai apni Bua se baat karne ka?! Main badi hoon tumse! Maryada sikha rahi hoon tumhari patni ko-"
"Aap maryada nahi, apni jalan aur choti soch ka n प्रदर्शन kar rahi hain," I cut her off with an icy, merciless smirk, my blue eyes piercing right through her. "Ishita ne aapke samne ghunghat khincha, aapke paon chue... isliye nahi ki woh aapki choti soch se darti hai. Balki isliye kyunki uske sanskar itne ucch hain ki woh hamare ghar me aaye mehmaan ko izzat dena jaanti hai."

"Rudra, bas karo!" Siya Maa stepped forward nervously, touching my arm. "Woh tumhari badi bua hain-"

"Maa, don't," I said sternly, my gaze never leaving kaveri Bua's stunned face. "Agar is ghar mein koi bhi... chahe woh khoon ka rishta hi kyu na ho... meri patni ki izzat, uske background, ya uske sanskaron par ek bhi ungli uthayega... toh main bhool jaunga ki rishte kya hote hain."

I turned my head toward Ishita. Reaching out with gentle, deliberate care, my large hand cupped the edge of her dusty-rose saree pallu. In front of the entire family, I slowly lifted the ghunghat off her face, uncovering her breathtaking, brown-skinned beauty for everyone to see. Her brown eyes were wide with worry, her red bridal chooda jingling as she lightly rested her hand on my wrist.

"Meri wife ko is ghar mein kisi ke aage ghunghat karne ki zaroorat nahi hai," I announced, my voice ringing clear and authoritative across the hall. "She is the Queen of this palace. She walks with her head held high."

Kaveri Bua's face turned bright red with pure humiliation and anger. She slapped her hands together, looking at Ram Papa, who had just walked into the courtyard. "Bhai Sahab!

Dekhiye apne bete ko! Ek mamuli ladki ke liye apni Bua ki beizzati kar di isne! Kya yahi sanskar diye hain aapne isse?!"

Ram Papa walked over, his sharp, veteran eyes taking in the entire situation. He looked at my unyielding, protective stance, then at Ishita, who was standing quietly by my side, and finally at his elder sister.

"Rudra ne thoda teekha bola, " Papa said calmly, taking a slow sip from his tea cup. "Par usne kuch galat nahi bola. Ishita is ghar ki Badi Bahu hai. Uska samman is khandaan ka samman hai. Agar aap hamare khandaan ki khushi mein shamil hone aayi hain, toh aapka swagat hai. Par agar aap hamare bacho ki izzat par sawaal uthane aayi hain... toh Rudra ka gussa bilkul sahi hai."

Kaveri Bua stood completely dumbfounded, her jaw dropped as the entire family-from Papa down to the younger brothers-stood united as a solid wall behind Ishita and me.

Ishita looked up at me, her brown eyes shining with raw emotion, love, and sweet comfort as I kept my hand firmly wrapped around her waist, pulling her close against my side. The message was loud and clear to everyone in the palace: no one crosses Rudra Singh Rathore's Janna.

It was late past midnight by the time the grand estate finally fell quiet. The endless phone calls with decorators, the constant parade of caterers, and the suffocating family drama had finally drawn to a close.

I stepped into our master suite, unbuttoning my navy shirt with slow, tense movements. The warm, soft glow of the bedside lamps illuminated the room. Ishita was standing near the grand mirrored dresser, her long, dark curly hair falling loosely over her shoulders as she carefully unclasped her gold bangles and neckpieces onto the velvet tray.

I watched her through the mirror. She looked tired, her brown skin glowing softly under the ambient light, completely unbothered by the heavy storm that had nearly erupted in the courtyard hours ago.

And that unbothered attitude was driving me absolutely insane.

I walked up behind her, my heavy, silent steps closing the distance until my chest was nearly brushing her back. I didn't wrap my arms around her waist. I didn't press a warm kiss against her neck. I just stood there, towering over her, my hands thrust deep into my trousers pockets, my ocean-blue eyes fixated on her reflection with a dark, simmering irritation.

Ishita caught my gaze in the mirror. She paused, setting down an earring, and turned around to face me, a soft, teasing smile gracing her lips.

"Kya hua, Patidev?" she asked softly, tilting her head. "Aise gusse mein kyu dekh rahe ho?"
"Why didn't you speak up, Ishita?" I asked, my voice dropping into a low, raspy growl that cut sharply through the quiet room.

Her smile faltered slightly. "Rudra-"

"No, don't 'Rudra' me," I interrupted, stepping closer, closing every inch of space between us until she was backed right up against the edge of the wooden vanity. "You argue with me all the time. You fight with me over my sleep schedule, you lecture me about skipping meals, you speak your mind with absolute, unfiltered confidence whenever I lose my temper. You don't take a single inch of nonsense from anyone in the world... including me."

I leaned down, bringing my face level with hers, my jaw tightly set as I looked straight into her brown eyes.

"So why the hell did you pull that ghunghat down today? Why did you stand there quietly and let kaveri Bua walk all over your dignity? Why didn't you put her in her place?"

Ishita didn't flinch at my sharp tone. She looked at me-really looked at me-seeing right through the angry, protective facade to the deep, raw instinct inside me that wanted to burn the world down the moment anyone dared to disrespect her.

Slowly, she reached up, her soft hands cupping both sides of my sharp, tense jawline. Her thumbs gently stroked my cheekbones, trying to soothe the fierce tension locked in my muscles.

"Ru..." she whispered softly, her sweet, warm breath fanning against my lips. "I didn't stay silent because I was scared of kaveri Bua. I didn't pull that ghunghat down because I accepted her narrow-minded thinking."

"Then why?" I demanded, my hands coming out of my pockets to rest firmly on the vanity on either side of her hips, trapping her in my space. "Because watching you bow your head to a woman who doesn't even deserve your respect made my blood boil."

"Because I love you," she replied, her brown eyes shining with absolute sincerity and unwavering depth. "And I love this family."
She slid her hands down from my jaw, resting her palms flat against my chest, right over my heartbeat-right over the tattoo where her name was etched into my skin.

"Ru, Jay and Avni's wedding is happening under so much stress," Ishita explained gently, her voice full of maturity and warmth. "Our family just survived a massive shock. Papa, Siya Maa, Choti Maa-everyone was already emotionally drained before Bua even arrived.

Today was supposed to be a day of joy, of giving out cards, of celebrating Jay's new beginning. If I had argued with kaveri Bua, or if I had let you drag her out of the palace, what would have happened?"

She didn't wait for my answer. "The house would have been divided. The elders would have been heartbroken, the wedding atmosphere would have been poisoned with bitterness, and Jay and Avni's big day would have been overshadowed by a ugly family feud."

I stared at her, my breathing heavy, my chest rising and falling beneath her palms.

"My dignity isn't so fragile that a few bitter words from an elder aunt can break it, Ru," she whispered, a small, triumphant smile returning to her face. "I know who I am. I am Ishita Rudra Singh Rathore. I am the Queen of your heart, the Badi Bahu of this empire, and the woman who holds the power to calm down Rajasthan's cold king with a single look."

She lightly tapped my chest, her brown eyes sparkling with gentle mischief. "I pulled that ghunghat down for two minutes just to save my family's peace. And besides... why should I waste my energy arguing with her when I know my husband will step up like a lion to defend me anyway?"

The sheer logic, grace, and fierce love in her words completely stripped the anger right out of my chest.

I let out a long, heavy sigh, my shoulders finally dropping. I rested my forehead against hers, closing my eyes as her sweet, familiar scent surrounded me, instantly washing away the darkness that had been driving me mad all evening.

"You're too good for this world, Janna," I rumbled softly in a low, affectionate whisper, my arms wrapping tightly around her waist, pulling her flush against my body. "And you're far too smart for your own good."

"I have to be," she giggled quietly, wrapping her arms around my neck, her red chooda jingling softly in the silent room. "Someone has to keep you from tearing the palace down every time someone looks at me wrong."

"I won't apologize for protecting what's mine," I growled softly against her neck, pressing a deep, lingering kiss right over the soft spot beneath her jawline where her tiny moles rested-the spot I was endlessly obsessed with.

Ishita gasped lightly, her fingers tightening in my hair as she leaned into my touch. "I know, Ru... and I wouldn't trade your protective heart for anything in the world."

I pulled back just enough to look into her brown eyes, my hand moving up to softly trace her lower lip with my thumb.

"Fine," I said, my voice rich with possessive warmth. "You handled the family today. But if she steps over the line again... I won't listen to you, Janna. I don't care about the peace of the house when it comes to your honor."

Ishita smiled warmly, kissing my jaw softly. "Deal, my King. Now take off this shirt and come to sleep. We have a whole wedding to pull off tomorrow."

💖 Ishita's Perspective

The morning sun filtered through the balcony of Rathor mansion, washing the courtyard in a golden, energetic light. The entire palace was humming with constant movement, but two people were missing from the morning buzz. Early in the day, Vardaan had whisked Reet away to the hospital for her routine four-month pregnancy checkup. He had been hovering around her like an anxious bodyguard ever since the news broke, practically carrying her up the stairs if she looked even slightly tired.

Meanwhile, the rest of the family was gathered in the main living room, surrounded by velvet swatches, jewelry catalogs, and silver trays laden with dry fruits.

"Rudra, engagement venue Banquets mein final karein ya palace garden mein?" Siya Maa asked, looking up from a pile of traditional invitation drafts.

"Palace garden, Maa," Rudra replied smoothly from his spot on the velvet sofa, his tablet balanced on his knee as he cross-referenced security details with Laksh over the phone. "It's more private, and we can manage the press tight at the entrance gates."

I sat on the carpeted floor near the low glass table, carefully arranging fresh marigold garlands into brass bowls with Dhristi. Right across from us sat Jay, looking intensely stressed out as he stared at a ring catalog like he was preparing for a board exam.

A wicked, playful idea suddenly bloomed in my mind. My eyes sparkled as I remembered our own wedding functions a year ago. Back then, Jay had spared no effort in teasing me mercilessly-calling me 'Bhabhi-ji' every five minutes, making dramatic jokes about Rudra's possessive nature, and pulling my leg till my cheeks burned red!
It was payback time.

I leaned forward, resting my chin on my palm, looking at Jay with an exaggerated, innocent smile. "Waise... Jay Bhaiya? Rings final hui ya Avni se puchne ke liye permission chahiye?"

Jay froze, blinking up from the catalog. "Kya?

Bhabhi, main toh bas design dekh raha tha..."
"Arey, designs toh bohot hain," I chuckled softly, my red chooda clinking as I pointed to a glittering solitaire design. "Par yeh wala mat lena. Avni ko minimalistic design pasand hain.

Pata hai na? Ya fir main unhe call karke puchun ki hamare Dulhe Raja ko kitna tension ho raha hai?"

Dhristi covered her mouth to hide a giggle, while Ahana stopped sipping her juice, her eyes lighting up with mischievous delight.

"Bhabhi, aap bhi na!" Jay groaned, his cheeks instantly turning a deep shade of crimson. "Aap kyu meri taang khinch rahi ho?"

"Kyu na khinchu?" I raised a eyebrow, a playful smirk dancing on my lips. "Mujhe sab yaad hai, Jay! Jab meri aur Ru ki shaadi ke functions chal rahe the, tab kaun roz shaam ko mere paas aake kehne aata tha-'Bhabhi, Bhai ke gusse se bachna ho toh abhi bhi waqt hai, bhag jao!' Kaun mere Sangeet ke time mere peeche dhol bajake naach raha tha?"

Ahana burst out laughing. "Haan! I remember! Jay was teasing you nonstop during the Haldi too, Bhabhi!"

"Exactly!" I winked at Ahana, turning back to a thoroughly flustered Jay. "Tab toh badi baatein kar rahe the tum. Ab kya hua? Ek chote se engagement ring selection mein hi paseene chhoot rahe hain? Ab batao, kaisa lagta hai jab dhol tumhare sar par bajta hai?"

"Maa! Dekho na Bhabhi ko!" Jay turned to Siya Maa like a helpless kid seeking backup.

Siya Maa just shook her head, laughing warmly as she placed a handful of almonds in front of Jay. "Bilkul sahi keh rahi hai Ishita.

Tab toh tu sabko pareshan kar raha tha, ab thoda badla toh banta hai!"

"Even Papa wouldn't save you today, Jay," Akshat added from his armchair, grinning as he adjusted little Krish on his lap. "You brought this on yourself."

Jay slumped back against the couch cushions, pouting like a teenager. "Bhai... dekho na aapki wife ko. Unhe bolo na mujhe tease karna band karein!"

I glanced at Rudra, expecting him to give his classic stern look. But when I met his ocean-blue eyes, my heart skipped a tiny beat.

He was leaning back against the sofa, his fingers lightly twirling the heavy gold band on his finger, watching me with an intensely soft, amused expression. A low, rare smirk played on his handsome lips.

"I don't interfere with the Queen's decisions, Jay," Rudra rumbled in his deep baritone, his voice dripping with smooth, effortless devotion. "Besides... your Bhabhi looks stunning when she's playing the mastermind."

"Aap dono ek hi team mein ho!" Jay whined, throwing a throw pillow toward Akshat as the entire living room erupted into a wave of warm, hearty laughter.

The joyous laughter in the room was suddenly interrupted by the sound of heavy footsteps at the entrance. Vardaan and Reet walked in, holding hands. The moment they stepped into the living room, Choti Maa (Urmila) immediately stood up, her face tight with worry.

"Kya hua, Vardaan? Reet? Sab theek hai na? Doctor ne kya kaha?" Choti Maa asked anxiously, walking toward them.

Ahana quickly poured two glasses of cold water from the silver pitcher on the side table and handed them over. "Pehle paani piyo dono. Vardaan Bhaiya, bolo bhi! Aise suspense kyu create kar rahe ho?"

Vardaan took a quick sip, a massive, unstoppable grin slowly breaking across his handsome face. He looked at Reet, whose cheeks were flushed with a radiant, emotional blush, before turning to the rest of us.

"Sab bilkul theek hai, Maa," Vardaan said, his voice trembling slightly with pure excitement. "In fact... we have the best news."

The entire living room fell completely silent. Siya Maa set down her papers, Ram Papa looked up attentively, and even Rudra paused his phone call with Laksh, his sharp blue eyes locking onto his younger brother.

Reet squeezed Vardaan's hand tightly, tears of happiness sparkling in her eyes as she looked at Choti Maa and Siya Maa. "We are having twins!"

"WHAT?!" Siya Maa gasped, her hands flying to her mouth in absolute shock.

"TWINS?!" Choti Maa screamed out in sheer joy, her eyes wide as tears instantly spilled over her eyelashes. "Pramatma ka lakh-lakh shukr hai! Krishna ji ki kripa!"

The whole room erupted into pure, unadulterated chaos!

The moment the words 'we are having twins' hit my ears, my heart practically burst with happiness. Reet was carrying two little angels! I got so overwhelmed with excitement that I jumped right off the carpet, ready to throw myself forward into a massive, breathless bear hug with Reet.

But just as my feet left the ground, my brain caught up with the fact that Reet was four months pregnant with twins-I couldn't just throw my weight onto her!

Stopping my momentum midway, I immediately pivoted on my heel and did the next best thing: I completely threw myself straight into my husband's arms!

CRASH!

Rudra's expensive work tablet slipped out of his hand, tumbling off his lap and landing face-down onto the thick marble floor.

Did I care about the tablet? Not at all!
I wrapped my arms tightly around Rudra's neck, burring my face into his shoulder as I bounced with excitement, my red chooda jingling wildly around his head. "RU! DID YOU HEAR THAT?! TWINS! REET IS HAVING TWINS!"

Rudra's large, powerful arms instinctively caught me around my waist, lifting me effortlessly off my feet to steady my reckless landing. He let out a low, deeply amused rumble, his ocean-blue eyes sparkling with sheer adoration as he held me tight against his chest, completely ignoring his cracked tablet on the floor.

"I heard, Janna," he murmured close to my ear, his deep voice rich with warmth as his possessive grip tightened around me. "I heard."

"Bhabhi, mere tablet ki bali chadh gayi aapki khushi mein!" Akshat teased from the couch, pointing at the shattered screen on the floor while laughing hysterically.

"Mujhe koi fark nahi padta!" I squealed happily, pulling back just enough to look at Rudra, my brown eyes shining with unshed tears of joy. "Ru! Two babies! Reet is having two babies!"

Rudra chuckled softly, his thumb gently wiping a tear of excitement from my cheek. "Yes, Janna. Two babies. Now stop jumping before you hurt yourself."

I slid down his tall frame, my hands still clinging to his suit jacket, before running over to Reet and Choti Maa to carefully shower Reet with gentle kisses and endless hugs, leaving my cold-hearted Prince standing by the sofa with a warm, utterly hopeless smile on his face.

👑 Rudra's Perspective

The atmosphere in the living room, which had been vibrant with the news of twins, dropped several degrees the moment kaveri Bua glided into the center of the hall. She was dressed in her usual heavy silk, her face wearing that thin, practiced mask of "concern" that we all knew hid a sharp, judgmental tongue.

She looked at Reet, then at Vardaan, and finally let her gaze drift toward Ishita, who was still glowing from the excitement of the moment.

"Chalo, achha hai. Hum bahut khush hain ki sabki family badh rahi hai," Bua said, her voice dry and piercing. Then, she turned her head slowly, fixing her eyes on my wife. "Ishita, tum kab karogi? Koi irada hai bhi bacho ka ya nahi? Ya bas shauq poore karne mein hi waqt nikal jayega?"

The air in the room went deathly still. Akshat stopped laughing. Ahana's smile vanished. I felt the familiar, dangerous heat rising behind my eyes. I was two seconds away from escorting Bua out of the palace myself, but before I could even tighten my grip on the sofa armrest, Ishita moved.

She stood up with the grace of a true Mahrani. She didn't look angry; she looked utterly calm, her posture perfectly straight. She walked toward Bua, not with aggression, but with the cool, unshakable authority that she wore like a crown.

"Bua ji," Ishita started, her voice melodic but firm enough to echo through the silence. "Sabse badi bahu hoon main is ghar ki. Jab mera man karega, tab kar loongi. Kisi ko mujhe bolne ki zaroorat nahi hai ki main kab karoon."

I leaned back, my breath hitching in my throat. My wife was in her element.

Ishita stepped slightly closer, her eyes locked onto Bua's stunned face. "Aur in sabke bache... mere hi bache hain, Bua ji. Inhe aur ache se sambhalne ki kya zaroorat hai, jab main hoon? Aur vaise bhi, koi ek hona chahiye na, jo new moms aur babies ka dhyan rakhe? So, I am in charge."

She paused, a faint, polite, yet incredibly sharp smile touching her lips as she performed a graceful pranam..

"Thank you so much for your concern, BUA JI. 🙏🏻"

Kaveri Bua stood there, mouth slightly agape, completely stripped of her usual arrogant comeback. She had tried to shame Ishita, but Ishita had just reminded everyone-including her-exactly who held the reins of this household.

The room remained silent for a heartbeat before Ahana let out a soft, delighted giggle. Vardaan looked at Reet, both of them beaming with pride. Even Papa Ram nodded slightly, his eyes holding a glimmer of respect for his eldest daughter-in-law's handling of the situation.

I felt a surge of pure, unadulterated pride swelling in my chest. I watched my Janna, the woman who had just managed to protect her dignity, shut down an elder with absolute class, and reaffirm her position as the Queen of the Rathor Raj Mahal-all without raising her voice.

I stood up, crossing the distance in three long strides, and stopped right behind her. I placed a possessive, firm hand on the small of her back, letting everyone in the room see my undivided support.

"Bua ji," I said, my voice low, dangerous, and final. "Ishita ne jo kaha, wahi final hai. Ab agar wedding ki tayariyon ke alawa koi aur baat karni hai, toh behtar hoga ki aap apne kamre mein jaake aaram karein. Hum sabko engagement ki preparations finish karni hain."

Ishita didn't even blink. She simply turned around, adjusted my lapel with a gentle touch, and looked at me with those soft, brown eyes-the eyes that had just fought a war without firing a single shot.

"Chalo, Ru," she said, her voice turning back to its usual, sweet warmth. "Engagement ki list check karni hai. We have work to do."

She walked away toward the table, leaving a completely speechless kaveri Bua standing in the center of the hall. I followed my wife, my heart beating only for her, feeling like the luckiest King in history.

💖 Ishita's Perspective

The afternoon sun poured through the high arched windows of our master suite, painting the room in a warm, golden glow. Outside, the mansion was buzzing with the hectic energy of wedding preparations, but inside our room, it felt like a quiet little sanctuary.

I was lying flat on my stomach across the grand king-sized bed, propping my chin up on my hands with my elbows dug into the soft duvet. My legs were bent at the knees, swinging rhythmically back and forth in the air. With every motion, the delicate silver payal around my ankles chimed in a sweet, cheerful rhythm that filled the quiet room.

My saree had naturally hiked up to my knees from all the fidgeting, exposing my ankles and bare calves, but I was far too lost in my conversation to care.

"Mummy! Aapko pata hai Reet ke twins hone wale hain?!" I practically squealed into the phone, holding the receiver tightly against my ear. "Doctor ne aaj hi confirm kiya! Main toh sunte hi itni khush ho gayi ki samajh hi nahi aaya kya karoon! Main aur Dhristi bhabhi ne toh abhi se decide kar liya hai ki hum nursery kaise decorate karenge. Ek taraf pink theme, ek taraf blue... nahi wait, gender neutral pastels zyada ache lagenge na?"

I didn't even wait for Mummy to fully respond before jumping straight to the next thought, my words spilling out in a rapid, excited stream.

"Aur Avni ki engagement dress ka fitting aaj shaam ko hai! Reet ne itna pyaara lehenga design kiya hai na Mummy, aap dekhoge toh dekhte reh jaoge. Gold and emerald green! Main uske saath matching polki jewelry set kar rahi hoon. Aur Jay Bhaiya? Unki toh shakal dekhne wali hai, poore time nervous rehte hain! Main toh unki itni taang khinchti hoon ki Ru ko beech mein aake kehna padta hai ki 'Janna, chhod do usse!'"

I giggled aloud, my silver anklets making a loud chan-chan sound as my feet kicked the air again.

"Aur Mummy, wedding ke liye menu final ho gaya hai. Rajasthani thali toh rahegi hi, par maine Avni ki choice ke hisab se Italian counters bhi rakhwaye hain. Papa ne bola ki jo Badi Bahu bolega, wahi hoga! Main sab sambhal rahi hoon Mummy, aap kal aaraam se aana. Koi tension mat lena, sab perfection se hoga!"

I paused for half a second just to catch my breath, a massive, radiant smile plastered across my face as I listened to Mummy's affectionate, laughing voice on the other end, telling me not to tire myself out too much.

Unbeknownst to me, the heavy wooden doors of the suite had silently creaked open. Rudra was standing right at the threshold, taking in the breathtaking, carefree sight of his wife-bare legs swinging, silver payals tinkling, and a nonstop stream of happy chatter echoing through the room.

👑 Rudra's Perspective

I stood frozen at the doorway, my hand resting on the heavy brass handle, completely spellbound by the view in front of m

e.The afternoon sunlight cascaded over the bed, bathing Ishita in a soft, golden halo. There she was-the Queen of Rajasthan, the woman who had just hours ago commanded the entire living hall with absolute, regal grace-lying flat on her stomach like an innocent, excited teenager.

Her saree had hiked up past her calves, exposing her smooth, brown skin up to her knees. Her slender feet were swinging back and forth in the air, making those delicate silver payals ring out in a sweet, rhythmic chan-chan. She was kicking her legs, fidgeting with the duvet, and talking at a hundred miles an hour into the phone, her dark, glossy curls tumbling wildly over her shoulders.

"...aur Mummy, maine Papa se bolke extra sweet counters bhi arrange karwa diye hain! Aap bas kal subah tak aa jana!" she chirped excitedly, completely unaware that her husband was watching her with an intensely dark, possessive gaze.

I silently shut the grand wooden doors behind me, locking them with a quiet click.
Unbuttoning my navy suit jacket, I tossed it onto the armchair, followed by my wristwatch. My heavy, deliberate footsteps made no sound against the thick Persian rug as I crossed the room, my ocean-blue eyes locked onto the curve of her waist and those bare, sun-kissed legs swinging in the air.

"Haan Mummy, Ru bhi aa gaye shayad... main aapko baad mein call karti hoon. Love you!"

She hung up, tossing the phone onto the nightstand, and let out a long, happy sigh. Just as she started to flip over onto her back, she realized I was standing right at the edge of the bed, towering over her.

"Ru!" she gasped softly, her brown eyes widening. "Aap kab aaye? Maine dekha hi nahi-"

Before she could finish her sentence or pull her saree pallu down to cover her exposed legs, I leaned over, catching both of her ankles in my large, warm palms. Her legs stopped swinging instantly.

"R-Ru?" she whispered, a sudden, delicate blush creeping up her cheeks as she felt the heat of my hands against her bare skin.

I didn't say a word. I slowly climbed onto the mattress, crawling over her frame like a shadow until I was hovering directly above her, trapping her between my body and the soft duvet. My large hands slid up from her ankles, tracing the smooth curve of her calves, pushing her saree dress back down just enough to keep her covered, before resting firmly on her waist.

"Ru, kya kar rahe ho?" she giggled nervously, her breath hitching as my heavy weight settled over her. "Din ke do baj rahe hain... koi bhi kamre mein aa sakta hai!"

"The door is locked, Janna," I rumbled in a low, raspy baritone, leaning down until my chest pressed against her back. I buried my face into the crook of her neck, inhaling her sweet, intoxicating scent of jasmine and sandalwood.

"Rudra..." she murmured, her red chooda clinking as her hand reached back to lightly touch my jawline. "Aapka gussa abhi tak thanda nahi hua?"

"My anger went away the moment you shut Bua down, Ishi," I whispered against her skin, my lips gently brushing over the soft spot beneath her jawline-right over those tiny moles I was hopelessly obsessed with. "Right now... I'm just admiring my wife."

Ishita let out a soft, shivered gasp as my lips traced down her neck. "Aapne... aapne mujhe phone par baat karte hue suna?"

"I heard everything," I murmured, my thumbs lightly caressing her hips through the thin fabric of her saree. "And I watched you kicking your legs like a little girl while your payal kept driving me insane."

She turned her head slightly, looking at me over her shoulder with those warm, brown eyes filled with pure love. "Main bas bohot khush hoon, Ru. Everything is finally falling into place. Jay and Avni are getting married, Reet is having twins, and our family is happy."

I lifted my head, looking deep into her eyes. I reached out, gently tucking a loose curly strand of hair behind her ear, my thumb lingering against her cheekbone.

"You did that, Janna," I said softly, my voice filled with an overwhelming, profound depth. "You hold this entire family together. You protect everyone's peace, you handle every storm, and you still manage to smile like the sun."

Ishita's expression softened, a sweet, emotional smile blooming on her lips. She shifted under me, flipping over onto her back so she was facing me completely. She wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling my head down until our foreheads rested against each other.

"We can do all of that, Ru..." she whispered, her sweet breath fanning against my lips, "...because I know my King is standing right behind me, protecting my back."

My chest swelled with a feeling so powerful it almost hurt. I leaned down, capturing her lips in a deep, slow, possessive kiss that conveyed everything my words couldn't. She melted into my arms instantly, her fingers tangling into my hair, her silver anklets chiming one last time as she wrapped her legs around my waist, completely shutting out the rest of the world.

✍️ Author's Note

Author's Note 🌹

Hey lovely readers!

This chapter brought us the absolute best mix of Rathor family madness-from high-stakes drama to pure, unadulterated joy!

Seeing Ishita step into her power as the Badi Bahu of the palace was everything. She doesn't need to yell to show her authority; her dignity and sharp mind do all the talking. And of course, watching Rudra turn into an absolute protective wall the second anyone tries to undermine his Janna will never get old!

Also, can we talk about REET HAVING TWINS?! The Rathors is officially going to be flooded with little feet soon, and Ishita's pure, chaotic excitement (RIP Rudra's tablet 🪦) was the sweetest thing ever.

The wedding festivities are just getting started, so buckle up for more royal glamour, family bonding, and soft, swoon-worthy RuShi moments ahead!

Drop your favorite moment from these chapters in the comments below! ✨👑 / Lots of love!